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Pour Over Will Form

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NORTH DAKOTA WILL INSTRUCTIONS
All Property to Trust “Pour Over Will”

U.S. Legal Forms, Inc.
http://www.uslegalforms.com

This form is for person(s) who are establishing or have established a Living Trust.

Although living trusts are a useful tool in assisting one in estate planning, it should be noted that the necessity of a will has not been totally dispensed with merely by the creation of a living trust. One should also have, in addition to a living trust, a “pour over” will, or a will that provides that any assets not transferred to the living trust at the time of the grantor's death are to be transferred to the trust at the time of the grantor's death. This is necessary because inevitably there are always some assets which have not been transferred to the trust at one's death, and this method assures that they too will be controlled by the trust in a method that the grantor chooses, rather than distributed according the various state laws regarding intestacy.

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All forms in this package are provided without any warranty, express or implied, as to their legal effect and completeness. Please use at your own risk. If you have a serious legal problem we suggest that you consult an attorney. U.S. Legal Forms, Inc. does not provide legal advice. The products offered by U.S. Legal Forms (USLF) are not a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

For additional information, see the Law Summary and Information and Preview links in the search results for this form. A Definitions section is also linked on the Information and Preview page.

LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF

BE IT KNOWN THIS DAY THAT,

I, of County, North Dakota, being of legal age and of sound and disposing mind and memory, and not acting under duress, menace, fraud, or undue influence of any person, do make, declare and publish this to be my Will and hereby revoke any Will or Codicil I may have made.

ARTICLE ONE
Conveyance to Trust

Be it known that while living I transferred, assigned, conveyed and delivered all rights, title and interest in and to certain property owned by me to my Living Trust created the of and known as THE REVOCABLE TRUST, hereinafter referred to as “Trust”. After the payment of estate expenses and debts, all remaining rights, title and interest in any and all property owned by me at the time of my death, whether real or personal, wherever situated, which has not been so transferred to the Trust, is hereby willed, devised, bequeathed, given, transferred, assigned, conveyed and delivered to said Trust to be administered in accordance with the terms of the Trust.

ARTICLE TWO
Debts and Expenses

The payment of all my just debts, funeral expenses, costs and expenses of last illness and administrative expenses shall be paid by my Personal Representative, or if funds are not available then by the trustee of the Trust.

ARTICLE THREE
Guardian of Minor Children

Complete as applicable:

I have no children.

My Children are all adults.

I have minor child(ren). If any of my child(ren) are minors under the age of 21 years of age on the date of my death, then I direct that shall be appointed as Guardian of those minor children.

ARTICLE FOUR
Appointment of Personal Representative, Executor or Executrix

I hereby appoint as Personal Representative of this Will. In the event my Personal Representative shall predecease me, or, for any reason, shall fail to qualify or cease to act as my Personal Representative, then I hereby appoint to serve as successor Personal Representative of this Will.

Signature:

- 1 -

ARTICLE FIVE
Waiver of Bond, Inventory, Accounting, Reporting and Approval

My Personal Representative and successor Personal Representative shall serve without any bond, and I hereby waive the necessity of preparing or filing any inventory, accounting, appraisal, reporting, approvals or final appraisement of my estate.

ARTICLE SIX
Powers of Personal Representative, Executor and Executrix

I direct that my Personal Representative shall cooperate with and follow any instructions and directions as provided by the Trustee of my Trust, in order that all provisions of my Trust be given full effect. Nothing contained herein shall be construed or interpreted to diminish any power and authority granted to my Trustee, and all provisions contained herein shall be interpreted to insure that all provisions of said Trust are carried out as directed.

I direct that my Personal Representative shall have broad discretion in the administration of my Estate, without the necessity of Court approval. I grant unto my Personal Representative, all powers that are allowed to be exercised by Personal Representatives by the laws of the State of North Dakota.

ARTICLE SEVEN
Construction Intentions and Misc. Provisions

It is my intent that this Will be interpreted according to the following provisions:

1. The masculine gender shall be deemed to include the feminine as well as the neuter, and vice versa, as to each of them; the singular shall be deemed to include the plural, and vice versa.

2. The term "testator" as used herein is deemed to include me as Testator or Testatrix.

3. This Will is not a result of a contract between myself and any beneficiary, fiduciary or third party and I may revoke this Will at any time.

4. If any part of this Will shall be declared invalid, illegal, or inoperative for any reason, it is my expressed intent that the remaining parts shall be effective and fully operative and it is my intent that any Court so interpreting same construct this Will and any provision in favor of survival.

Signature:

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I direct that this Will and the construction thereof shall be governed by the Laws of the State of North Dakota.

I, , having signed this Will in the presence of who attested it at my request on this the day of at , declare this to be my Last Will and Testament.

Testator/Testatrix

Print Name:

The above and foregoing Will of was declared by in our view and presence to be his/her Will and was signed and subscribed by the said (name of testator/testatrix) in our view and presence and at his/her request and in the view and presence of (name of testator/testatrix) and in the view and presence of each other, we, the undersigned, witnessed and attested the due execution of the Will of on this the day of

Witness Signature

Print Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

Witness Signature

Print Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip:

Phone:

Signature:

- 3 -

STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA

COUNTY OF

I, , the testator/testatrix, sign my name to this instrument this day of , and being first sworn, declare to the undersigned authority that I sign and execute this instrument as my will and that I sign it willingly, that I execute it as my free and voluntary act for the purposes therein expressed, and that I am eighteen years of age or older, of sound mind, and under no constraint or undue influence.

Testator/Testatrix

Typed Name:

We,

the witnesses, sign our name to this instrument, and being first sworn, declare to the undersigned authority that the testator/testatrix signs and executes this instrument as the testator/testatrix's will and that the testator/testatrix signs it willingly, and that each of us, in the presence and hearing of the testator/testatrix, signs this will as witness to the testator/testatrix's signing, and that to the best of our knowledge the testator/testatrix is eighteen years of age or older, of sound mind, and under no constraint or undue influence.

Witness

Witness

Subscribed and sworn to and acknowledged before me by , the Testator/Testatrix, and subscribed and sworn to before me by and witnesses, this day of

Notary Public

My Commission Expires:

(SEAL)

NDCC 30.1-08-04. (2-504) North Dakota Certification

Enter text

What a Pour Over Will Form Is and How It Works

A Pour Over Will Form is a testamentary document that transfers any assets not already titled in a living trust into that trust upon the testator's death. It typically contains a residuary 'pour-over' clause naming the trust as beneficiary and designates a personal representative to open probate if needed. The document complements a revocable living trust by catching assets omitted during the trust funding process, simplifying administration and consolidating distribution under the trust's terms.

Why a Pour Over Will Matters for Estate Coordination

Uses a central trust to receive leftover assets, reducing fragmented probate actions and ensuring the testator's intent for discretionary distributions is preserved under one instrument.

Why a Pour Over Will Matters for Estate Coordination

Who Typically Prepares or Signs a Pour Over Will

The document is part of an estate plan, not a substitute for a fully funded trust; coordination with the trust instrument is essential.

  • Individuals with trusts who need a safety-net document ensuring uncaptured assets transfer to their trust.
  • Estate planning attorneys preparing coordinated trust-and-will estates for clients.
  • Executors or personal representatives who will open probate and transfer residue to the named trust.

Essential Sections to Include in a Professional Pour Over Will

A complete pour-over will contains identity data, a residuary clause that transfers assets to a named trust, appointment of a personal representative, and formal execution language to satisfy state witness and notarization rules.

Testator Identity

Full legal name, current address, and date of birth to clearly identify the person making the will and avoid ambiguity in probate.

Residuary Clause

Clear pour-over language naming the trust (exact trust name and date) and directing all remaining property to be transferred into it.

Trust Reference

Specify the trust name, date of execution, and trustee contact information so the personal representative can locate and fund the trust.

Personal Representative

Name an executor or personal representative with successor provisions and alternate appointees in case the primary cannot serve.

Revocation/Compatibility

Language confirming the will is subject to the terms of any inter vivos trust and stating whether prior wills are revoked.

Execution Clause

Signature block, date, witness attestation, and any self-proving affidavit language required by state law to streamline probate testimony.

Step-by-Step: Completing Your Pour Over Will

Follow these sequential actions to prepare an enforceable pour-over will that coordinates with an existing trust.

  • 01
    Gather Documents: Collect trust instrument, ID, and asset lists.
  • 02
    Confirm Trust Details: Verify exact trust name and execution date.
  • 03
    Draft Will Terms: Include residuary pour-over clause and executor appointment.
  • 04
    Execute Properly: Sign with required witnesses and notarize if state permits or required.

How the Pour Over Will Operates After Death

This overview shows the practical steps from death to transferring residue into the trust.

  • Probate Opening: Personal representative files will with the probate court.
  • Asset Identification: Administrator locates assets not titled in the trust.
  • Transfer to Trust: Court authorizes transfer or executor retitles assets into trust.
  • Trust Administration: Trustee administers distributions per trust terms.

Digital Setup: Configure an Online Pour Over Will Workflow

Set up an electronic workflow to collect signatures, preserve audit trails, and store the original securely.

Field Configuration
Document Format PDF/A preferred for long-term retention
Signer Order Testator first, then witnesses sequentially
Authentication Email + SMS code or stronger verification
Audit Trail Enable IP, timestamp, and certificate capture

Technical Considerations for eSigning and Storage

Ensure the service provides tamper-evident signed PDFs and retention capabilities that meet state probate and evidentiary needs.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Connects with cloud storage
  • Envelope Limits: No envelope cap

Legal Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect Pour Over Will

Invalid Execution: May render the will void
Intestacy: Assets could pass under state law
Funding Gaps: Trust may remain unfunded for specific assets
Beneficiary Disputes: Ambiguity can lead to litigation
Tax Timing: Probate delays can affect tax filings
Notary/Witness Errors: Insufficient formalities may require court proof

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

  • Using inconsistent names (nicknames or initials) that create identity disputes during probate and delay asset transfers.
  • Failing to reference the trust by exact legal title and date, which can make locating the correct trust difficult for the executor.
  • Skipping alternate personal representative appointments, leaving no clear successor if the primary appointee cannot serve.
  • Relying solely on pour-over language without retitling major assets prior to death, which can result in additional probate steps.

Timing Considerations and Probate Deadlines

There is no universal filing deadline for a will itself; probate timelines and filing windows vary by state and case complexity.

Will Delivery:

Provide original will to executor promptly after death

Probate Filing:

File with probate court as required by state rules

Creditor Notices:

States set creditor claim periods after probate opens

Tax Filings:

Estate and income tax deadlines depend on federal/state rules

Trust Funding:

Retitle assets into trust as soon as probate permits

Key Milestones from Drafting to Transfer

A sequential view of major stages helps track responsibilities and timing for the will and trust coordination.

01

Prepare Draft

Attorney or testator finalizes will text

02

Execute with Formalities

Sign before required witnesses; notarize where applicable

03

Safekeep Original

Store original in safe or with counsel

04

Administer Estate

Executor opens probate and funds the trust

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

These best practices reduce errors and simplify post-death administration for personal representatives and trustees.

Use Exact Trust Identifiers
Reference the trust by its full legal name and execution date to avoid confusion when funding assets during probate. This prevents disputes over which trust should receive the residue.
Maintain Consistent Naming
Enter the testator's full legal name consistently across the will, trust, beneficiary forms, and account title documentation to prevent identity challenges in court or by financial institutions.
Obtain Qualified Witnesses
Follow state witness rules strictly; consider adding a self-proving affidavit at execution to remove the need for live witness testimony during probate, where allowed.
Coordinate Beneficiary Designations
Review payable-on-death and transfer-on-death designations to ensure they align with trust objectives; beneficiary forms often override will provisions for those specific assets.

Representative eSignature Pricing and Compliance Comparison

Compare starting price, trial availability, bulk-send capability, audit trails, and HIPAA compliance across common vendors; signNow is listed first per platform data.

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Free Trial 7-day free trial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

FAQs: Common Questions About Pour Over Will Forms

Answers to typical questions about validity, witnesses, interactions with trusts, and electronic signing for pour-over wills.


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